New World’s Widest Port Mann Bridge Opens

Posted by: Kenny Chan onDecember 2nd, 2012

The original orange arched Port Mann bridge is overshadowed, literally, by the new twin tower silver steel cabled bridge. The new Port Mann bridge opened this morning with 8 lanes but when construction is fully completed in the spring of 2014 two more lanes will be added. The bridge is a long overdue solution for congestion in the area which was already bad over four years ago when construction started. To put it into perspective for those that are not familiar with the area, there is traffic congestion for roughly 12-14 hours per day and during the peak times up to 125,000 vehicles cross the Port Mann.

“We are eliminating one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in British Columbia. After years of waiting, drivers get to enjoy a faster, more efficient commute and will have more time to spend with their family instead of sitting in an idling car.” Premier Christy Clark told the crowd at the Grand Opening.

While it will ease traffic along the highway 1 corridor the new bridge will also make life easier for local commuters. When the 10 lanes are fully open, 2 lanes in each direction will be dedicated to traffic between Surrey and Coquitlam. With the three remaining lanes, one will be utilized as a HOV lane and all commuters over the bridge will pay a toll of $1.50 per trip which doubles in March to $3.00.

The new Port Mann is the widest bridge in the world and the second longest in North America at 2,020 metres long – you could fit 34 hockey rinks along the bridge and still have space to hold the Stanley Cup Victory Parade according to the project website. Now, the only thing the Vancouver Canucks have to do is actually win one. ;)